General Information

Welcome to our build guide for HotA Barbarian in Diablo 3. Here, you will learn everything
you need to know to play this build at the highest level. This build is updated for patch 2.6.1 and
Season 15.

1. Introduction

Empowered by either the Immortal King or Raekor sets, this Barbarian build emphasizes melee
devastation and pulverizes his enemies to the ground with Hammer of the Ancients,
while maintaining a vast array of buffs and warriors at his side. This agile,
face-to-face burst damage build is available in two Greater Rift solo progression
variants (with the Immortal King or with the Raekor set), as well as a regular
Rift farming variation, explained in that order.

2. Quick Reference

2.1. Skill Setup

The basic skill setup of the HotA Barbarian is displayed below. Read the
dedicated Skills page for detailed information
on choices, alternatives and build customization.

3.3. Kanai's Cube

4. Role in the Current Meta

This build is ranked as a Top Tier solo pushing build for its class in the
current Season.

This build is oriented mostly at solo Rifting (Greater and Normal). Due to its
mediocre mobility on long distances, it is not recommended for Bounties. It is
also not recommended for group Greater Rifts past the point where every party
member can handle the content on his own.

5. Reading Further

To go in-depth on the skills, passives, itemization, gemming and variations
to get the most out of this build, follow these pages:

Skills and Runes: exhaustive breakdown of the skill and passive choices, along with synergies, rotation and breakpoints (if applicable);

Follower Guide: for more information regarding followers, we advise you to read our guide, which contains detailed advice on choosing the skills and the gear of your companion.

About the Author

This build is presented to you by Deadset,
one of the very few professional Diablo 3 players.
Deadset regularly publishes video guides on
Youtube and
streams on Twitch, where you can
see how this and other builds play out in practice.

6. Changelog

20 Sep. 2018 (this page): Guide was reviewed and approved for Season 15.

14 Jun. 2018 (this page): Guide was reviewed and approved for Season 14.